ESNZ The Bulletin

March Magazine  

Eventing Canterbury – South Island 3DE & YR Trans Tasman ANZAC Day commemorations

Annie Studholme 

Eventing Canterbury is embracing the true spirit of ANZAC Day at the South Island FEI CIC***, CCI**, and CCI* Three Day Event and Trans Tasman Young Rider Challenge marking the historic occasion with a special commemorative service on site. 

Eventing Canterbury is planning to hold a brief official commemorative ANZAC day service at the Sheds NZ National Equestrian Centre at McLeans Island on April 25 at 8am prior to the final trot up for the CCI** and CCI* classes. 

The service will include a NZ Army Band bugler on site to play the Last Post and Reveille, and Russ Barron, President of the Christchurch Returned Services Association, will be in attendance to deliver the ANZAC Remembrance/Dedication and the Ode to the Fallen. The national anthems of both Australia and New Zealand will be played at the conclusion of the service, and the national flags will also be lowered and raised again during the service.   

“ANZAC day was something we should all remember and this was one way every person attending the event could still be involved in what has become a hugely important day for all New Zealanders and Australians,” said Eventing Canterbury chairman Kevin Bowden. 

Mr Bowden said ANZAC day was a time to remember the many thousands of men and women who have lost their lives and the countless acts of bravery and heroism over the past 95 years since the Boer War. It was also a time to cherish the friendship and bravery shared by these two countries fighting to preserve the principals and freedoms we hold so dear. 

It was fitting, given it was a Trans Tasman competition and one involving young people that Eventing Canterbury embrace ANZAC day, and creates a sense of remembrance surrounding the event. It was important to the organising committee that people should not have to miss out just because they were attending a horse event, he said. 

All riders would receive service sheets in their rider packs and he welcomed everyone to attend. Mr Bowden extended that welcome to ALL ESNZ members who wished to attend an ANZAC service. The service was expected to last approximately 10 minutes. 

By holding a service, trade stands will be able to open prior to the traditional 1pm. Trade Alley is filling fast with suppliers and retailers jumping at the chance to promote their business on site, trading directly to the public and interested horse owners, for three days of national and international competition.  Anyone interested in exhibiting at the event or supplying product can contact Sharon Mehlhopt at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

Other preparations for the event were well underway, with the cross country course nearly completed, and the ground jury set. Working bees are in full swing to ready the grounds. The Young Rider teams are yet to be announced with NZ team final selection to happen following HOY. Entries close on April 6.